Healthy start for herb cure company
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A DRUGS company hoping to cash in on the vogue for natural health remedies is set to raise up to pounds 16m when it comes to the stock market next month.
Phytopharm (from phyto, Latin for plant) makes medicines from plants and herbs. Its main product at present is Zemaphyte, a treatment for severe eczema.
The company was launched by Dr Geoffrey Guy, chairman of drugs delivery firm Ethical Holdings, in 1990. Among otherpromising products is P30, based on an African herb for the treatment of diabetes, which is currently in pre-clinical trials.
Robin Gilbert, drugs analyst at stockbrokers Panmure Gordon, said: "The commercial prospects of Zemaphyte and its derivatives are very promising ... the company should have an exciting future."
The emphasis on natural medicine is in contrast to the recent biotech boom. Dr Richard Dixey, chief executive, uses the word "herbaceutical" to describe Phytopharm's approach.
Phytopharm does not isolate the active compound in remedies but repackages them - usually as tablets - and tests for their efficacy. "We take remedies where there is already strong evidence they can work," said Dr Dixey. Biotech companies instead try to develop compounds from scratch and most fall by the wayside.
Herbal remedies can have side-effects. The National Eczema Society expressed concern after a 28-year-old woman died from liver failure after taking a Chinese therapy not marketed by Phytopharm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments